PULWAMA: Eleven Controlled Atmosphere (CA) cold storage units in Lassipora Industrial Growth Centre (IGC), one of Kashmir’s most important apple storage hubs, have been served closure notices by the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (PCC) for alleged violations of environmental laws, including the absence of mandatory pollution-control infrastructure.
Official documents reveal that the Pollution Control Committee has initiated closure proceedings against several prominent cold storage units after inspections reportedly found serious deficiencies in environmental compliance, particularly the absence of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) and composite pits required for management of wastewater generated during operations.
The units that have come under the scanner include Fruitin Agro Private Limited, Simnani Agro Fresh, Kohinoor Cold Chain Pvt. Ltd., Tufaah Agri Fresh Pvt. Ltd., Evergreen Cold Chain Pvt. Ltd., Peaks Agro Warehousing, Kashmir Fruit Preserves-I, Kashmir Fruit Preserves-II, Fruit Master Beverages, Super Fresh Agri Products and Alpine Agro Fresh Pvt. Ltd.
The PCC orders, issued under provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, direct closure of the units and also recommend disconnection of electricity and water supplies in cases where violations persist.
Documents show that inspections conducted by PCC officials reported that certain units neither had Effluent Treatment Plants installed nor composite pits for handling wastewater, despite repeated notices and opportunities for compliance. In some cases, authorities also cited operation without valid consent from the Pollution Control Committee.
Significantly, the Pollution Control Committee did not limit its action to issuing closure directions alone. The orders also directed the Deputy Commissioner Pulwama to ensure closure of the units, while asking the Executive Engineer of the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) to disconnect electricity supply and the Executive Engineer of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department to disconnect water supply to the concerned cold storage facilities. The unit holders were further directed to cease operations forthwith, indicating the seriousness with which the environmental violations were viewed by the regulatory authorities
The repeated finding in the orders is no Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) installed, no composite pit provided, units continued operations despite notices and some units were allegedly operating without valid consent renewal from PCC.
In the case of Alpine Agro Fresh, PCC specifically recorded that the unit holder failed to renew consent after expiry and that inspection found neither an ETP nor a composite pit. The same findings appear in the orders against Tufaah Agri Fresh and Super Fresh Agri Products.
Environmental experts point out that wastewater generated from washing, grading and handling fruit in CA stores requires scientific treatment before discharge. Untreated effluents, particularly cold water discharges and processing waste, can adversely affect nearby water bodies, vegetation and local ecology if not properly managed.
Interestingly, Estates Manager Lassipora Fayaz Ahmad stated that the Industrial Estate had not received any closure order copies from the Pollution Control Committee.
His statement has raised fresh questions, as verified PCC documents clearly indicate that closure proceedings were initiated against several CA stores operating in Lassipora. The apparent contradiction between the official records and the position taken by the Estate administration is likely to invite further scrutiny.
The development has triggered concerns within Kashmir’s apple industry, as Lassipora houses some of the Valley’s largest Controlled Atmosphere storage facilities that play a crucial role in preserving fruit and supporting the horticulture economy.
The case also brings into focus a larger environmental question: whether wastewater generated by cold storage facilities is being scientifically treated before disposal and whether the required treatment infrastructure is fully functional across the industrial estate.
With eleven units reportedly shut and environmental compliance under scrutiny, stakeholders are now awaiting clarification from the Pollution Control Committee, Industrial Estate authorities and the managements of the affected units regarding the status of compliance and future course of action. [KNT]
